Aranjuez with children
A family plan for Aranjuez: peacocks, royal barges, a boat on the Tagus, canoes, strawberries and an outdoor escape game. Ideas by age.
Aranjuez is one of the best family days out near Madrid: lots of space, water everywhere, animals roaming free and a museum of golden boats. This plan alternates short walks with stops kids love, and saves the palace for when they’re old enough to enjoy it.
If you’re after a theme-park day, Parque Warner is 30 km away (about 37 minutes by car) and Puy du Fou España, near Toledo, about 66 km.
The plan
10:00
Peacocks in the Island Garden
Free and never fails: the peacocks wander among the fountains.
11:00
The kings' boats
Gilded gondolas and barges: the museum children remember most. Under-5s go free.
12:00
The Chinescos pond
Islands, a Chinese pavilion and water jets that run all day.
13:30
Picnic... on a bench
You can't eat on the garden lawns, but there are benches. Or eat in town and try strawberries with cream in season.
16:00
Boat or canoe on the Tagus
A 45-minute trip on the tourist boat or a two-seater canoe for hire. Under-18s with an adult.
17:30
The Ciudad Secreta escape game
An outdoor game around town designed for families, run by the Curiosity boat.
Before you go
- The palace is free for under-5s and reduced up to age 16.
- The Casa del Labrador isn't a good idea with a pushchair: it's not accessible and the guided tour lasts 50 minutes.
- Bring water and hats in summer: the gardens are big and there's a lot of walking between fountains.
- With older children, the Strawberry Train (spring and autumn seasons) turns the journey into part of the adventure.
Questions people ask
What can you do in Aranjuez with children?
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